Thursday 4th September
I woke up again the next morning at 6:30am before completing my dailly routine of taking a shower, picking my work clothes, and eating breakfast. I quickly grabbed my keys and shoved them into my pocket before unlocking my phone to see it was 7:35am. Perfect timing as always. I picked up my coat before sliding it on, opening the door and walking out into the brisk air.
After the usual 15 minute walk i found myself outside the cafe door, but there was no sign of Ella. Weird, she's always early. I routed threw my pocket for my phone before pulling it out. I quickly unlocked it and dialled Ella's number. I waited anxiously as it rang a couple times before she picked up.
"Hello?" She croaked over the line followed by a break out into a coughing fit.
"Wow, you sound awful." I cringed and she laughed a little but it quickly turned into a cough.
"Gee thanks." She retorted and i smirked slightly. "Sorry i can't come in today, i feel like utter sh-" She started to speak but cut herself of by coughing.
"Well you sound terrible, don't worry about coming in, just go back to sleep." I instructed.
"But that means you'll have to take a full day shift Charlotte, that's too much." She pleaded before she returned to coughing.
"I'll be fine, go to sleep." I demanded.
"But-"
"Sleep. Now." I commanded.
"Fine." She huffed as i hung up.
I shoved my phone back in my coat pocket, pulled out the keys and unlocked the cafe door. I walked in, closing the door behind me, as i began to open up. One thing for sure, is that this was going to be an incredibly long day. Longer than usual now that Ella's not here. I finished taking all the chairs down before walking to the door and switching the sign from 'closed' to 'open'. I sighed before walking back behind the counter and waiting for the morning rush to come in. I normally have the afternoon shift but as theres no Ella, i'm going to have to take both shifts. I just hope its not as busy as yesterday.
I huffed before pulling up a stool and sitting at the counter. I looked over to the clock to see it was 11am, so at least the morning rush was over. I leant my elbows on the counter and ran my hands over my face in frustration as i peeked through my fingers and watched the few people sat in the cafe. I groaned internally as i heard the door bell ring signalling that there was another customer.
"How may i help you?" I sighed through my hands and stood up from my stool as i plastered a fake smile on my face but still kept my head down.
"Um.. Hi?" He asked and my head sprung up at the sound of his voice, as i gazed upon Luke stood in front of me.
"Oh hi." I smiled back awkwardly. "What can i get you?" I asked politely as he rested his arms on the counter and leaned forwards, just as Calum had the night before.
"I actually came to see you." He said awkwardly as he scratched the back of his neck and bit down on his lip ring as i had now picked up was a nervous habit of his. "But i'll have a hot chocolate please." He shot me that abnormally cute half smirk that always seemed to be plastered on his face. I nodded before i turned and started making his order. "I thought you worked here with your friend?" He asked filling the silence that laid between us.
"I do, but she's ill so i'm by myself today." I huffed in annoyance and kept my back to him as i continued to make his order.
"Wait so you're taking her shift as well as yours?" He questioned and i nodded in reply.
"In or out?" I asked him as he let out a small laugh.
"Excuse me?" He laughed slightly and i blushed realising how awkward that sounded.
"Are you staying in or going out?" I couldn't help but let out a breathy laugh.
"Oh! Well if you're here alone all day, then i guess i'll have to stay and keep you company." He replied and i could tell he was doing the little half smirk again. I cracked a small smile before pouring his hot chocolate into a mug.
"Marshmallows and cream?" I asked as i turned on my heels and placed his mug on the counter. He nodded in reply so i picked up a few marshmallows and dropped them in his drink.
"Wait, aren't you meant to put the cream on the hot chocolate and then the marshmallows?" He questioned and i shrugged.
"Well i suppose it doesn't really matter, but personally i think, that if you put the marshmallows in first, they melt, making your hot chocolate a lot more sweeter." I smiled before squirting a swirl of cream on his hot chocolate and sliding it over to him. I watched him as he carefully took his first sip, pulling away with a content look on his face.
"Wow, okay you were definitely right about the marshmallows being on the bottom." He said and i laughed a little as he was subconsciously making the worst orgasm face i've ever seen. He took another sip and pulled away with a cream moustache, forcing me to cover my mouth with my hands to prevent myself from laughing even harder. "Why are you laughing at me?" He pouted but ended up laughing slightly. I picked up a napkin from beside me before leaning over to him and wiping away his cream moustache. "Wow, that was classy." He blushed and i just laughed and threw away the tissue.
"Come on now, i have a job to do." i smiled a little before shooing him. He held his hands up in defence and let out a small laugh before he walked behind the counter and next to me. "No!" I cracked a smile. "Thats not what i meant." I breathed a laugh and shook my head but he shrugged in response and picked up an apron before tying it around his waist. I held back a laugh at the sight of Luke, Mr hair game strong, Mr punk rock, Mr i'm in a band, stood before me in a cafe apron. "Wow, how fetching." I clapped my hands causing the both of us burst out laughing.
"Wow, how british." He teased and i hit his arm playfully.
"Thats no fair because i am british." I pouted slightly and he giggled a little.
"I know, i love your accent." He smiled and i shoved him away playfully.
"Shut up." I said sticking me tongue out at him.
"Hi, can i order please?" I heard a customer ask and I smirked at Luke as his eyes widened.
"Of course, my co-worker, Luke, here, will do that for you won't you Luke?" I smirked not taking me eyes of Luke who was viciously shaking his head. "Yeah? Okay, go ahead Luke, take his order" I shoved him towards the customer and watched from aside.
"Um hi?" Luke smiled awkwardly.
"Can i get an espresso please?" The man asked impatiently and Luke nodded.
"Of course." He smiled and turned to face me before mouthing 'What the fuck is an espresso?!' Making me to burst out laughing.
-----------------------------------------
